Active Public Health Outbreaks: North Dakota
Surveillance Report • November 30, 2025
Influenza (Flu)
RAPID SURGEState health officials report a sharp vertical rise in cases.
Trend: Aggressive Increase
Norovirus
SPIKE"Stomach flu" activity has doubled nationally with significant local impact.
Trend: Doubled vs. 3 months prior
Confirmed Outbreak Clusters
| Disease | Location / Scope | Status | Key Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measles | Williams County | Active Outbreak | 4 Confirmed Cases First outbreak since 2011 |
| Avian Influenza (HPAI) | Mercer & LaMoure Counties | Active in Poultry | Multiple Flocks Backyard & Commercial |
| Pertussis (Whooping Cough) | Statewide (11 Counties) | Sustained High | 73+ Cases (YTD) 3x increase over prev. year |
Respiratory Viral Season
North Dakota is currently experiencing a "tripledemic" threat environment. While COVID-19 levels remain relatively low and steady, Influenza has seen an aggressive late-November surge, with over 600 cases reported in a single week.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is also trending upward, following national patterns, posing specific risks to pediatric and elderly populations.
Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
Measles has returned to the state for the first time in over a decade. The outbreak is currently localized to Williams County with 4 linked cases.
Pertussis remains a major concern. After cases tripled in 2024, health officials maintain a high alert status. The outbreak has spread to 11 counties, significantly wider than the 2-county spread seen in previous years.
Emerging & Chronic Issues
Norovirus is surging, with test positivity rates doubling to 14%. This "stomach bug" is highly contagious in congregate settings like schools and care facilities.
Syphilis continues a long-term worrying trend, having increased over 50% in the last annual reporting cycle. Avian Flu remains active in animal populations (Mercer/LaMoure), though human risk remains low.